Farrarmere trauma group wants to help you
The recently operational group meets every Wednesday at 12 Chaucer Road, Farrarmere at 6.30pm to support and comfort each other.
If you have ever felt like your trauma is too much for you to handle alone, there is help for you from ToughLove SA, which has just opened a support group in Benoni.
The recently operational group meets every Wednesday at 12 Chaucer Road, Farrarmere, at 6.30pm, to support and comfort each other.
Head of the group Chantal Grotto said the name ToughLove does not mean love is given in a tough manner; instead it means that the pressures of life and situations are too tough on the physical, emotional and mental state of the individual.
“ToughLove was started over 35 years ago for parents who were traumatised by addict children,” she explained.
However, over the years, the groups became open to anyone who faced any kind of trauma.
“The problem with trauma is that people need the help but they are too afraid to ask for it,” she said.
“There are various versions of trauma – harassment, being bullied or having a narcissistic partner, to name a few.”
The aim of the group is to help the individual become ‘healthy’ in order to have a healthy community.
“The bigger picture is to have a community-based organisation that uplifts anyone who is traumatised.”
To date, there are 30 ToughLove groups countrywide and seven members on the board.
“I am one of those members,” Grotto said.
For those who cannot attend, the Benoni branch will soon be launching a Zoom programme and already have a WhatsApp group.
“This group is facilitated by a Boksburg resident, Matilde dos Santos,” Grotto said.
“All facilitators have to complete the programme in order to become facilitators. If there is a problem that we cannot assist with, we go to one of the board members who is a qualified psychologist.”
Grotto said anyone who joins must remain in the programme for at least six weeks and progress will be monitored as it gives the individual a sense of accountability.
“There are some fees that need to be paid to keep the organisation functioning. But if you cannot afford the fees, come along anyway, we just want you to be healed and healthy.”
The meetings will be held every Wednesday until December 9 and reopen on January 20.
For more information, contact Grotto on 082 372 3039 or Dos Santos on 082 052 2269.
ALSO READ: Attend seminar on sexual violence and human trafficking
